High Rocks Americorps Member at Pocahontas County Libraries

What is High Rocks?
High Rocks’ mission is to educate, empower and inspire young people in West Virginia. We provide opportunities for transformational learning, leadership, creativity, and community engagement, and we believe that all people are gifted and that by investing in young people, we are creating a strong, vibrant, participatory community for us all.

What are Pocahontas County Libraries & Visitor Information Centers?
The Pocahontas County Libraries & Visitor Information Centers’ (PCL & VIC) mission is “to fulfill the informational needs of our residents and visitors.” PCL & VIC serves residents and visitors through the main library (the McClintic Library) in the county seat of Marlinton and four branches located in the Hillsboro, Durbin, Green Bank, and Linwood communities. Pocahontas County is rural and mountainous with approximately 75% of its 940 mi2 being either National Forest or State Park land.

What will I be doing as a High Rocks AmeriCorps Member at Pocahontas County Libraries & Visitor Information Centers?

High Rocks AmeriCorps Members have the opportunity to grow professionally and personally while making a positive impact on West Virginia communities and young people. During their 6-month service term, members will support increasing library relevancy, literacy, and
community development for young people by: assessing programming needs with staff at each of the libraries; helping plan,
implement, and adapt programs for diverse audiences; marketing programs through press releases, social media, and print; serving with staff and volunteers to create program sustainability. Programs examples include: storytime for babies and toddlers, programs for homeschoolers, afterschool programs (e.g. Lego at the library, STEM club, teen book club, etc.), and a summer reading program for all ages. Members will primarily be based at the Green Bank Library but would serve with the librarians throughout the county to support programming.

Who can apply to be a High Rocks AmeriCorps Member at Pocahontas County Libraries & Visitor Information Centers?
Anyone who will be 18 by the end of their service year and has a high school diploma or GED. Car recommended.

Are there benefits?
Yes! AmeriCorps Members receive a living allowance of $717.48 (pre-tax) twice monthly throughout their service term, the potential for a tuition waiver, and a Segal Education Award up to $3,247.50 (for members beginning service in March 2023) upon successful
completion of their term. This can be used to pay down existing student debt or on future educational expenses. Segal Education
Award recipients have seven years to use their award. Members also receive student loan deferment, professional development training, and health care benefits and childcare assistance, if eligible.

How do I get free tuition through AmeriCorps service?
Beginning in Fall 2022, any former, current, or future AmeriCorps Member serving in West Virginia may be eligible to receive tuition waivers for their completed service! To be eligible, Members must successfully complete at least 600 hours of AmeriCorps service in West Virginia, be accepted into a West Virginia state institution of higher learning, and complete the FAFSA. The AmeriCorps tuition waiver is a “last dollar in” program. It kicks in after all federal and state student aid for which they qualify is applied (including Segal Education Awards, Pell grants, etc.). While members must accept federal and state aid offers, they do not have to accept loan offers or work-study to be eligible for this waiver!

How do I apply? Tell me more…
To apply, email your resume and a cover letter to [email protected]. For more information about our program or other AmeriCorps opportunities, visit highrocks.org, email [email protected] or call (304) 653-4891.